Friday, April 21, 2006

Oy, Friday

I don't know how your week was, but after mine I need a laugh. I hope this will give you one.

Meditation

Last night's meditation was the best for me yet. I've been drifting aimlessly in my post-Catholicism life. I've dallied with the Quakers, the Episcopalians, and the Unitarians. All terrific groups with many merits, but none a perfect fit. My relief at having found what feels like a refuge cannot be described.

Relief often gives way to joy, which is the case with me. It was in the spirit of joy that I wrote yesterday's entry. I was therefore a bit perturbed by the anonymous (aren't they always?) comment that I was belittling a spiritual practice.

I am devoted to exploring this philosophy, but I do not equate devotion with either gloom or a self-consciously serious tone. My teachers and fellow students approach their practices with hefty doses of humor and this is one of the reasons I feel so at home in my sangha.

As for Buddhist meditation leading to a trance, which Anonymous informs me is not the point, "trance" is the word used in three of my study guides and by two of my teachers as the state of mind that comes from successful meditation. As a novice, I can but use the vocabulary I've been given.

Read carefully before writing, Anonymous. Snap judgements are not indicative of mindfulness.

85 comments:

I agree -- one of the things that I've enjoyed most about my (admittedly limited) exposure to Buddhism and meditation is that a sense of humor usually seems to come with the territory :)After all, when you watch what the mind does, you find that it often does very funny things.

That cartoon is so funny. I think I need to start a little file on my computer with the cartoons in it, and when things are getting tough and I need a laugh, I'll open up the Franklin file! So, when's your book of knitting cartoons coming out? Hint..hint.

I love the cartoon. It really did make me laugh out loud, and while you did the same with your FOM (put THAT on your socks) yesterday, turns out I still needed it. Gracias.Regarding the Om socks, it makes me wonder if that group was one of "those" groups who are perpetually outraged. It would be interesting to get the opinion of some average Indians.Windsornot - I call myself a recovering Catholic too. Once recently I almost fell off the wagon and went to church, but I stayed strong and had a coffee instead.

Today has been one of the worst days ever in the day job - I'd just made a coffee and sat down to blog read before facing the London rush hour - what can I say - your cartoon now means I Have to dry my keyboard, clean the screen and mop up my desk - Thank you!!

My first comment on a blog of someone other than family or friend… intimidating…

I read your most recent entry and felt compelled to speak…

my sister is a Buddhist, and while I know little about the religion I do know quite a bit about my sister. I know that she is funny, and smart, and insightful. I know that she has a wonderful sense of irony, and sarcasm, and tells a wonderful story. I know that she’s been happier and found her balance since becoming Buddhist. I also know that if she can still be her wonderful self, and a “good” Buddhist, anyone can. Good luck on your journey!

Ugh. Don't listen to that prig, "Anonymous". Some people want to suck the fun and life out of everything--I've also found that true with certain yoga instructors.

You don't HAVE to meditate sitting up. Lying down is fine too (although you're more likely to just fall asleep). As far as I can tell, with my imperfect knowledge, what you HAVE said is correct.

In case anyone was wondering, I think the "Om" socks caused offense because the words were on the soles of the feet. In the Indian community the "Om Mani Padme Hum" is sacred, while the soles of the feet... are definitely not. In a culture/country where people are traditionally barefoot, it is considered an insult to sit so that the soles of your feet are pointing toward another person. Walking on "Om" with the soles of your feet is a gross insult.

Franklin, the cartoon is fab! and pooh on those who don't appreciate, nor have any humor to call their own, and so in order to make themselves feel better downgrade any examples of joy and playfulness they come across. Ya'll keep right on meditating - your insights are fascinating!! Namaste back atcha!

Another great entry, my dear.Someone yesterday mentioned the pattern in Folk Socks. These actually have the symbol for "Allah" knit into them around the ankle and foot. I did them for my Olympic project (www.k1yok2tog.blogspot.com) if anyone is interested in seeing them.

A thought for anyone considering knitting up some yoga socks. Instead of "ohm" on the bottom of your feet, you could try adapting a yantra of one form or other. (Do a google image search, there are dozens out there.) They're used as a focus for meditation, and they were once woven into carpets, so culturally it might not be so offensive to put it on a sock. Plus they look cool, which is always a plus.

I laughed, I cried, I giggled. I had to show my daughter as she wandered by my desk. She said, "That's just wrong." High words of praise from a snarky, but cute, 18yo. (Hmmm - I think she and Delores would get along famously...)

I'm a new convert to your blog, and am thoroughly enjoying traipsing through your observations on life and fiber. I hope to get to meet you at Stitches - I was there last year, but knew not of you.

I am a 15 year + Diamondway ( Vajrayana ) Buddhism student. My teacher Lama Ole Nydal says that our mind ought consciously love, laugh, dance , be insightful and enjoy peace.....somehow that cannot be done while in trance.....We also have a saying " Only small dogs bark a lot, big ones don't have to " and after reading your blog ( I am new to this ) I think you are a pretty big dog.....

A while ago I used to knit socks for soldiers via an online group; I've given them up for Dulaan, which, let's face it, needs me more. But I had the idea, contemplated but never executed, of knitting inconspicuous (e.g. dark green on black) peace symbols onto the soles of socks so that the soldier wearing them would leave little peaceprints wherever he went. I definitely think we're on a spiritual wavelength here.

Find a sense of humor and let it light your path, Anon. Else you will walk in darkness always.

Someone was right about the soles of the feet, it would be rude to put Om on them. It was funny though, and if you work out a chart would you share? It would look good on the cuffs too. After you've been to a few meditation groups you'd be happy if the people wear clean socks. :-)

I've been practicing Korean Zen for over a year now and I know what you mean about finding a great sangha. It's like you found your real home. BTW, have you read Buddhism for Sheep? Hillarious!Kwanseumbosal!

i'm glad for you Franklin. you'll be at ease while others around you are angst ridden. thus they lash out and you , like His Holiness Dalai Lama IV, will smile. really, if you want an indication of what He is like, google images of him. SEE all the smiles? listen to Him. hear the good hearted humor and who can say anything about someone whos "religion" is loving kindness and who likes to play with wristwatches?"the knitting sutra" by Sysan G Lyndon and the daily blog Zeneedlegassho my friend

Some people just have to find the worm in everyone and everything. Dismiss anon...

I've accidentally (are there really accidents?) happened upon the book about meditative knitting. I am really getting a lot out of the authors ideas and extending the exercises beyond knit. So I think I know what you are getting out of your Buddhism practice. Go for it - you are a delight as you are and I would miss your humor terribly - you usually make my day.

I think there is nothing rude about " OHM " socks.....as long as they are worn mindfully and a person treads lightly I can just see all the Buddhas and Bodisatthvas giving their blessing.......After all, who really knows what's rude or not......it's all mind...isn't it ?

Being Presbyterian , I adhere to seriousness with all matters religious -No smiling in church, and try to look miserable!! (Please read the sarcasm in this statement)Who are these people who tick off Blog owners for their comments - if you don't like it don't come back to read anymore!Its a personal Blog, not the Times newspaper!(Am still giggling over the previous posting - thankfully not choking on my wine tho)

The Anonymous family sure has turned out more than its share of mean people.

I find I share a lot of Buddhist beliefs, but not all of them, so I'll stick to being a Pantheist. I confess I've found myself thinking if the US ever passes a law saying everyone has to declare a religion, you know, an organized religion that people have heard of, I'd probably pick Buddhism in that case. Um. Not that I'm paranoid or anything.

Franklin..I posted a couple of pictures on my site for you..it's from Mum's new book ( a childrens illustrated one).The book is called "Russell the Sheep". We go to a book shop and I buy a history of Biba and she buysThis ! Ilove your "Fussy Lamb" Holly U.K

All the clever things have been said. Or I am so pooped I can't think of a new clever thing. I'd like a book of Sheep drawings and would even spend cash for same. Surely Ms. Harlot's publisher might consider them and then YOU can go on a whirlwind tour of knit shops and rainbow bars.I'm glad your Mom reads your blog. I read my kids' and other people think that's strange. (WE are strange, but reading blogs, isn't.)Words are never precise, nor are accounts of transcendent experiences. Trance/aware. Enchanted/dis-illusioned. Living with intention. Staying focused. Any of that is better than believing in lies or mistaking myths for facts.Hope this week is a lovely one for you.

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